For much of human history, wetlands were considered nuisance habitats that would better serve humanity if drained or filled. We now know that wetlands play a key ecological role and provide ecosystem services worth billions of dollars.

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Filter Water

Left: Wetlands are like kidneys, filtering pollution from runoff before it enters our waterways.Right: Wastewater treatment plants serve a similar purpose but cost billions of dollars to build and operate.

Nurture Young Fishes

Left: Wetlands nurture the young of many commercially and recreationally important marine species.Right: Hatcheries are expensive to run, and vulnerable to disease outbreaks and other effects of crowding.